The third field mission of the season took place in the humid forests of spectacular Montagne d’Ambre National Park.
Montagne d’Ambre is a 1475m volcanic massive that is covered by lush montane rainforest. The mountain has its own cold and humid micro-climate that contrasts with the dry surrounding regions. It is also one of the most biologically diverse regions of all of Madagascar and there are several species that are found only within the 180 km2 area of the park.
In a single day of fieldwork we could see an adult chameleon the size of an ant, a millipede longer than your hand, and the second largest living species of gecko in the world, growing as large as one’s forearm! The park is also home to at least 9 species of lemur and countless plant species.
With the data collected in the park, we hope to create a more complete picture of the historical and contemporary processes that influence the demography and genetic diversity of endangered populations in the region. We are very grateful to our guides from Madagascar National Parks for sharing their knowledge and helping us in this mission.
Photos credits Tiago de Zoeten
